Since the beginning of the season, our BWB boys have been applying themselves to their Values Projects of raising one hundred pounds. This goes towards the costs of providing the programme from which they benefit. There have been many inventive ideas and the putting forth of much effort. Projects have included: dog walking; cleaning; car washing; odd jobs; selling cakes and sweets; auctions; distance running; bike rides; car boot sales; climbing Mount Snowdon; creating art to sell and much more.

The Values Projects are about much more than raising finances. In designing and carrying out these projects our boys gain the opportunity to learn and demonstrate some of our core Values – Responsibility, Compassion, Resilience and Curiosity. In a society that is often promoting ‘what can I get?’ the Values Projects focus the boys to think ‘what can I give?’.

A number of boys have recently been approached by professional clubs to join the academy ranks and we would like to wish them all the best of luck for the new part of their journey.

From the 2002 year group, Fin Blackman and Oli Swann have joined Bristol Rovers, whilst Joseph Porton has joined Bristol City. In the 2003 age group, Callum Heal, Matt Morris and Niall Lovelock join Evander Grubb at Bristol Rovers. With Jago T Roberts and Joe Andrews at Southampton, Charlie Bullock at Bristol City and Wilf White and Archie Matthews at Swindon Town, it seems BWB once more has a strong representation in the local academy system. Once a smurf, always a smurf:) Good luck boys

The 2017/18 squads have returned from another successful pre-season camp in Appledore.

The boys aged between 8 and 14 spent three days mixing football with surfing, with the added addition this year of a highly competitive tug-of-war competition which was won by Big Will and his apprentices.

It was great to be reunited with Alan and the rest of Bideford Blues & Appledore FC and we thank them for the use of their facilities for training and matches.

The 2002s journey in the Far East finally came to an end in the early hours of Friday morning as they succumbed 1-0 in the Semi Final of the Gothia Cup in China.

Having been unbeaten thus far and performing well, the boys are terribly disappointed but should be proud of the tenacity shown in adapting to the cultural differences as well as styles of play in this area of the world. Such experiences have given them skills and memories that can only ad to their armoury for the future. Well done chaps and safe journey home.

Skern Lodge has once again been selected as BWB’s venue for the start of their 2017/18 campaign. 70 boys will journey south to undergo so intense training and on the grass and in the sea. The team bonding event is a highlight of the year and will finish with a welcome bbq back in Bath on the 25th August.

Will participants please let Tim know and pay cost for the coach if you are intending to travel on the bus.

The final stages are now being organised for the trip to China on the 8th August. Members of the 2002 year will participate in the Far East World Youth Cup for the very first time, and they will also be carrying the St George’s flag at the opening ceremony in the main stadium. Good luck to all involved:

The Bath International cup will take place on Sunday and Monday 27/28 August at the University of Bath. Rayo Vallecano return to defend their title and hope to make it three victories in a row. Competing in the BWB cup will be: